http://clampfix.fanworks.net/tb-fix/blood.txt </head><body><pre>A speculation on the beginnings of the Sakurazukamori. Warning: this fic may be very angsty and highly depressing, even though none of the present X or TB characters are present. There might be hints of shonen-ai but nothing overt. Anyway, if you're a Clamp fan, especially a TB or X fan, you should be able to take it. As usual, I welcome all comments. All characters are products of my own *sick* imagination, although their family names were created by Clamp. Standard disclaimers apply. --- The Blood of the Innocent An "Tokyo Babylon" Fanfic Presented by Alison Koh "I heard that the tree is dying," commented Lady Sakurazuka as she did the ceremonial rotating of the teacup before passing it to Hajime. Hajime accepted the proffered cup with a nod, both to express thanks and affirm her comment. Meanwhile, he silently cursed at the old woman's perceptiveness. "You understand that since I've retired, I do not really wish to interfere with your position as the Royal Sakuramori," Lady Sakurazuka continued, "But Lady Shizuha has sent me a personal letter to express the Emperor's displeasure. That tree was specially grafted from the late Emperor's favourite, an ancient and magnificent tree, and a prime example of its species, which had unfortunately been destroyed by lightning a year ago. You must understand the importance of our position. We are not mere gardeners. The sakura tree represents the spirit of Japan. It is our duty to protect that spirit." Hajime used a calming technique to control his rising anger and then said, "Mother, I do understand the delicacy of the issue. I've been trying my best. The soil conditions for the tree has not been satisfactory though I'm slowly remedying that problem. However, I sense that the tree lacks a certain 'Ki' (spirit) which is beyond my meagre skills to solve. In fact, I have considered approaching the Sumeragi Clan for help." At the mention of the 'Sumeragi' name, Lady Sakurazuka made a disapproving sound, "Despite the fact that the Sakurazuka Clan are practising onmyoujis, we have been able to stay independent of the yoke of the Sumeragis precisely because of our special position as the Royal Sakuramori. Do you intend to shame our family's honour by seeking their help?" She paused and observed Hajime's silent form for signs of dissension. "Good. I want you to perish any such thoughts. Else..." she threatened, "I may be forced to replace you. I heard that Yuichi's skills have been improving tremendously. His father may have been your younger brother, but Yoshiro's skills have always been better than yours. Unfortunate that he died so young. Perhaps the son might inherit the father." She then made a subtle waving motion with her hands, a sign that the tea ceremony, and the conversation, was over. Hajime bowed and took his leave. * As Hajime stepped out of the house, he was immediately greeted by the smiling form of his nephew, Yuichi. "Uncle Hajime!" cried Yuichi, "Were you here to see Grandma?" Hajime nodded. "I'm so happy to see you back home. I heard that work at the palace has kept you very busy lately." Hajime took a good look at the boy. Yuichi was only ten and yet he possessed a natural beauty, coupled with an unquestioning innocence that Hajime had always found appealing. Hajime wondered how much longer that innocence would survive under the stifling control of Lady Sakurazuka. He had always considered Yoshiro to be the lucky one to die so early. But then, he thought, perhaps his brother's spirit could no longer fight their mother's shackles. He turned to the boy and commented, "I heard that you have been doing very well in your studies." "I'm doing fine," Yuichi replied, "However, I'm still having problems with manipulating the ofudas. Can you help me?" "Certainly," Hajime said, "However I need to check on the Emperor's tree. Would you like to join me?" Yuichi happily agreed. * Yuichi stared at the slight frame of the tree in disbelief. It was a sorry sight. There was some way till autumn and yet the leaves have almost dried up. The trunk was thin and shrivelled with drooping branches and peeling barks. "What's wrong with it?" Yuichi asked. Hajime shook his head and said, "I wish I knew. I've tried everything. All the secret skills of the Sakuramori and yet nothing works. If it had been mere evil spirits, a simple exorcism would do, but... it seems that what the tree lacks is really a 'Ki'." "A 'Ki'?" Hajime nodded, "Yes, a 'Ki'. Every living being has a 'Ki' and the tree is no different. I can do everything to the external conditions to keep it alive for the time being, but in the long run, without a 'Ki' it will die. Just as a human body without a 'Ki' can be kept alive but not for long. "Even now, the tree refuses to grow. Perhaps something went wrong during the initial grafting process and the 'Ki' of the original tree was not properly reconstructed in the young sapling. I'm not sure, but if we don't do something soon, the tree will die. And if that happens, the fate of our family's honour will be threatened." "I wish I could do something to help," remarked Yuichi as he touched the tree with a certain sadness in his eyes. "Well, let's not think about this for the moment." Then Hajime asked, "You wanted me to help you with something?" "Oh yes!" Yuichi said as he took out a small stack of ofudas, "I was trying to create an attack wave..." He concentrated and tried to demonstrate the problem. He fanned out the ofudas and tried to launch them away from his body. "Ouch!" he suddenly cried. Hajime rushed to the boy's side and noticed the profuse bleeding on his right palm where the stray ofudas had cut. Droplets of blood fell onto the ground as Hajime tried to contain the bleeding with a strip of cloth torn from his own sleeves. "Are you all right?" he asked. Yuichi nodded his head and said thanks. "Well, you did the transformation correctly but your launching technique needs a bit more work. I have to return to the palace this evening but I'll be back in a few days. I'll explain the details to you then." "Thanks, Uncle Hajime!" Yuichi smiled. * Hajime wondered how Yuichi was doing. It has been two days since the little accident by the sakura tree. He would be free this afternoon. Perhaps he should pay the boy a visit, even though he knew that would include another trying session with his mother. He walked up the grove of sakura trees with a heavy heart towards the One. Perhaps it would finally die today. As he neared the tree, he froze. It was not very obvious, but the change was there - in the slight greening of the leaves, the improved texture of the bark. Even the branches were not drooping as badly as before. It was living, but Hajime remained cautious. The tree had tricked him once or twice in the past. He needed to know. Slowly he concentrated his mind as he tried to sense for the change. There it was - a slight spark, almost imperceptible, but he had looked into the tree too often not to notice such a change. It was hope. With a smile on his face, he thought it might truly be a good day to face the Lady Sakurazuka, and maybe bring some sweetmeats from the palace for Yuichi. The boy loved them. * Hajime stared in disbelief. It had been barely a week but the tree was dying again. When would he ever be rid of this curse, he thought. He still recalled how he had been happily reporting the tree's progress to Lady Sakurazuka and how Yuichi's face had lit up upon hearing the good news. This was impossible. What had gone wrong? He considered cutting down the tree then and there. He reached for his sword but stopped suddenly. Blood. Yuichi had spilled blood at the base of the tree. Was that it? He had to try. He had to know. There were plenty of small wildlife and birds in the area. He had never used onmyoujitsu to kill but he had no choice. Concentrating his will, he chanted the necessary spell and a little bird landed on his palm. For a brief moment, Hajime pondered sadly on the naivete of animals, and then reached out with his other hand and snapped off its head. Impassively, he felt the warm blood flow down his hand and trickle into the soil. * For the next few weeks, Hajime continued with the deadly ritual and watched the tree returning slowly but surely to life. Yet somehow the blood of animals was not enough, it was as if the tree cried out for human blood. Not to mention that it was getting more difficult to lure the poor creatures even with his skills. The animals have all but disappeared from the area. Perhaps animals do learn after all, Hajime thought. In the end he had to resort to buying live animals from the market. His servants never questioned his behaviour though he suspected they probably gossiped about it in the servants' quarters. Every morning he would leave his official residence with a live animal and, later in the afternoon, return the carcass to the kitchen for dinner preparations, drained of blood. * That evening, Hajime received a most unexpected guest. Sumeragi Mamoru, fourth Head of the Sumeragi Clan, sat across the room, regarding Hajime silently while the servants brought in cups of tea and some simple snacks. As the last servant left, Mamoru finally spoke, "Lord Kuzuki had a vision." He paused. Lord Kuzuki was the Emperor's dreamgazer and oracle. Hajime wondered what the dreamgazer had to do with this visit, but he remained silent as he waited for Mamoru to continue. "He dreamt of the future. Most importantly, he dreamt of us," Mamoru paused and he tried to let Hajime understand the gravity of what he was about to say. Continuing, "He saw a distant future where Japan and all existence will be destroyed. He wasn't specific about the details except that it will not be in our lifetime. However, he said that the choices we are about to make will affect the fate of our descendants in that future and warned us to beware of honour built on blood." "What is that supposed to mean?" enquired Hajime. "I wish I could tell you more but Lord Kuzuki was decidedly vague." Hajime nodded in understanding. Then Mamoru added, "He did say that an innocent is about to be sacrificed. That is all I have to tell. It is time I take my leave. Thank you for your hospitality." Hajime bid Mamoru a safe journey home and then remembered his final words: /an innocent is about to be sacrificed.../ Hajime did not know why, but somehow the image of Yuichi came to his mind. He furrowed his brow, disturbed by the thought. * "You have not made much progress since you last came," observed Lady Sakurazuka, "Your failure is bringing dishonour to our family. The Sakurazuka Clan has never failed in our duties until now." Hajime winced at those words, his fists squeezed tightly on his lap. "I'm sorry," he spoke between clenched teeth. Lady Sakurazuka continued, "I expect you to do whatever you can to protect our family's honour, even if sacrifices have to be made." Instantly, the word 'sacrifice' sent shivers through his body as he remembered Mamoru's visit three nights ago. Suddenly the door to the room slid open followed by a familiar yell. "Uncle Hajime!" Yuichi cried, "You're here! I want to show you my skills. I practised what you taught me and I no longer cut myself. Not like that time by the sakura tree!" "Yuichi! How many times have I told you never to interrupt your Grandmother when she is with your Uncle Hajime?" Lady Sakurazuka spoke sternly. Yuichi lowered his head in embarrassment, almost to the verge of crying, but lit up almost instantly when he saw Hajime giving him a reassuring smile of support. He immediately apologised to Lady Sakurazuka and beat a hasty retreat. "You spoil the child too much!" Lady Sakurazuka fumed, "He cannot learn discipline if you always let him have his way." "He is only ten and he's lost both parents so young," Hajime argued, "It is only right that we should at least allow him some semblance of a normal childhood." "Exactly. He is already ten and will be expected to take over the responsibilities of an adult very soon," she retorted. She paused for a while as if gathering her thoughts. Then she slowly said, "You are almost thirty now. It is about time you considered having your own family and children, if not for you sake, at least for the family's sake. Besides, it is not appropriate for an uncle to be too attached to his own nephew. I hope you've gathered my meaning." Hajime stiffened at those words. He had never consciously reflected on his feelings for Yuichi, but now that she had put it so bluntly, he understood it to be true. He could hide from himself but he could not hide from Lady Sakurazuka. Letting out a sigh, he said, "I understand. I shall act as appropriate." "Excellent." Then with a barely hidden menace in her voice, she added, "Remember my words today. You will not wish me to be involved." After being dismissed by his mother, he contemplated leaving the place immediately in a bid to avoid Yuichi, but discovered that the boy was waiting by the gate. "Did you get a scolding from Grandma on my account?" he asked, eyes wide with worry. Hajime ruffled the boy's hair affectionately and said, "It's all right." "I'm so sorry!" Yuichi cried, tears streaming down his cheeks as he grasped tightly onto Hajime. Seeing this, Hajime bent down to hug the boy tightly, ignoring the ringing of his mother's words in his conscience. He swore at that moment that he would love and protect Yuichi forever, even if it meant going against her. In the background, Lady Sakurazuka was already absorbing the entire scene impassively. * The tree was relapsing again. Hajime did not dare venture to check on the tree today. He had seen its condition the day before and it was not a pretty sight. He had decided to end his own life before the tree, partly to mitigate his shame and partly in hope that his blood might finally revive the tree, but not before paying Yuichi a final visit. The boy deserved that at least. He stepped in the main hall of the Sakurazuka family home. Strange that Yuichi was not here to greet him. Stranger still that the place was quieter than usual, not a servant in sight. The place would normally be bustling with servants attending to every of his mother's whim, deathly afraid of any laxity in their job. He called out and heard his voice resonating through the empty corridors. Then he heard soft footsteps shuffling behind him and turned to see Ayumi, the housekeeper coming towards him. "Where's everybody?" he asked. Somehow he could feel that something was very wrong. "Your Lordship! We weren't expecting your visit," she remarked, "Her Ladyship instructed the servants to prepare for a funeral today so almost everyone has left to do the necessary arrangements. The rest of us are in the servants' wing doing our work." "Who's funeral?" Hajime demanded. This definitely did not feel right. "We do not know nor dare we ask, but nobody has died as far as we are aware." "Where's Her Ladyship and young master Yuichi?" Ayumi stammered, "Her Ladyship left with the young master early this morning. Something about admiring sakura flowers. I thought it was odd since it wasn't the season." Immediately Hajime turned pale. Before Ayumi could question him in return, Hajime had already rushed out of the house. * As Hajime headed towards the cursed tree, he prayed that his worst fears were not true. Surely, his mother loved her grandchild in her own way, even though he knew he had never known her to display any outward signs of affection. He prayed again to the gods to protect the boy and he would be eternally grateful. Nevertheless, he was too late. Slumped before the tree, the frail body of Yuichi laid in an expanding pool of his own blood. Besides him, Lady Sakurazuka looked on impassively, the bloodied dagger she had used to murder her own grandchild clutched tightly in her right hand. "Why?" Hajime demanded to know as tears flooded his eyes and streamed down his face, "Why kill Yuichi? Your own grandson!" "It had to be done," she replied calmly, "Yuichi is a Sakurazuka. He will understand that this is for the good of the family's honour. See, the tree is already beginning to bloom." It was true. The tree had never looked more resplendent. Right before his eyes, he saw the tree transform itself as if a miracle had occurred. It stretched to twice its original height and size, the leaves turning a bright green and buds of flowers had begun to appear. Yet he hated the tree more than ever, knowing the price that had been paid. He had lost the most precious thing in his life, the only happiness he had ever known. "Yuichi was innocent. I was prepared to die for the tree!" "Nonsense!" Lady Sakurazuka snapped, "You are the Head of the Clan. You do not expect a ten-year old boy to take over your job. He served his purpose and I expect you to do the same. I have already made the necessary arrangements. Forget about this and return to your duties in the palace." This could not be happening, Hajime thought. He would wake up and visit the family home, and Yuichi would be there to greet him with his usual sweet innocent smile and infectious laughter. For a moment he just stood and stared silently at the lifeless body of Yuichi. "Did you not hear me?" Lady Sakurazuka ordered, "Go back now!" Hajime felt something within him snapped and a wave of blind anger rushed through his body. With a yell, he reached out for his sword and promptly beheaded his mother. She did not have time to scream. Hajime watched her blood meld with Yuichi's as it diffused into the ground. The fresh blood sped the transformation in the tree. Even though it was not the proper season, the tree was already blooming with bright pink sakura flowers. A pink tinted by the colour of blood. He knelt silently by the boy's body and held it tightly in his arms while his body went into fits of spasms as he shed copious amounts of tears. "I see that I'm too late," a familiar voice spoke. Hajime looked up to see Head of the Sumeragi Clan watching him in empathy. "No," Hajime replied, "There was nothing you could have done. You have sent me Lord Kuzuki's warning, and I did not heed it even though I had felt Yuichi's danger." "You're wrong, my friend," Mamoru replied, "I knew about the tree but I didn 't do anything to prevent this tragedy. It is said that trees may develop consciousness through time. The parent tree was one such ancient spirit. However it was destroyed by lightning precisely because it's consciousness was evil. This young sapling was not meant to exist, but it had struggled to stay alive, feeding on our false sense of honour. I could have destroyed it but that would have incurred the Emperor's wrath, and that would mean dishonour for my entire Clan, and hence I hesitated. Now an innocent has been sacrificed. "It is time we did what had to be done long ago." "No!" Hajime shouted, "My mother was right in a way. Yuichi died for me. I shall not let his death be in vain. The tree must stay." "You must understand that it will continue to demand blood, even for generations to come." Hajime nodded, "I understand the price I'll have to pay. From now on, I no longer tend the tree, but the grave that rests beneath it. I shall become the Sakurazukamori until someone else kills me and becomes the next Sakurazukamori. My mother once said that the sakura tree represents the spirit of Japan. I shall kill only in the service of my country, to rid it of all threats and then sacrifice their blood to the tree. I'm sure the Emperor would appreciate the irony." Mamoru sighed, "I cannot say that I agree with you, but I understand your decision. For the Sumeragi Clan, too, has been entrusted to protect the spirit of Japan even though our methods may be very different. However, if the Sakurazukamori should ever cross the line of what's proper, the Sumeragi Clan will hunt him down to the ends of the earth." "I understand," Hajime said, "And I thank you." Mamoru made a gesture and said, "Do not thank me. Perhaps both our families will have to pay for this decision in the future." Hajime did not reply but continued to hold on to Yuichi's cold body. Gently a single sakura flower, pure white in colour, danced in the air and floated around the boy, finally resting on his forehead. "White petals untainted by blood," Hajime noted softly, "A reflection of your purity." He held on to the flower, closing his eyes in concentration for a brief moment and then spoke again, "Thank you, Yuichi. I can feel your soul. Perhaps some day, we shall meet each other in another lifetime." Then he walked up to Mamoru and said, "May I ask a favour of you?" Mamoru nodded. "A soul as pure as Yuichi's should not be tainted by the Sakurazukamori's blood oath." Pressing the white sakura into Mamoru's palm he continued, "Please dedicate his spirit to the Sumeragi's family shrine. It is the least I could do for him." Mamoru accepted the flower gravely and said, "I shall personally look into it." With a bow, he left Hajime to his grief. Behind him, Hajime was already digging a grave for the Lady Sakurazuka under the sakura tree. * In a private wing of the royal palace, Lord Kuzuki sighed to himself, "The future is already determined and I could do nothing to prevent it. All our destinies have been bound together by this blood. Perhaps my descendants will have to pay for my failure too." --- Dreams of Sakura Home -- http://www.starhub.net.sg/~alison X Shrine -- http://www.geocities.com/asuka_sgxt</pre><p><a href="./">Back</a></p><p><a href=http://www.dreamhost.com/donate.cgi?id=216><img border=0 alt="Donate towards our web hosting bill!" src=https://secure.newdream.net/donate1.gif></a></p></body></html>